Gas separation device

Abstract

A gas separation device is disclosed. In particular, seal assemblies and adsorbent element constructions for a gas separation device such as a pressure swing adsorption device are disclosed. The seal assembly can be part of a rotary valve and can include a seal backer and a floating seal positioned within a bore in the seal backer. The floating seal is configured to press towards and seal against an adjacent rotor. Valve action is provided as apertures in the floating seal and rotor are brought into and then out of alignment as a result of relative rotation therebetween. The seal assembly can include two types of gas chambers to apply balanced sealing pressures over the sealing surface of the valve, one type configured to receive pressurized process gas from within the device and the other configured to receive gas from an independently controlled pressurized gas source. The adsorber elements in the device may comprise improved spacer cross support structures at the ends of wound laminate adsorbent structures.

We claim: 
     
       1. An adsorber element for a pressure swing adsorption device comprising:
 a laminate adsorbent structure comprising layers of laminate with a separation between the layers and wherein the laminate comprises an adsorbent material and a support; and 
 a spacer support at an end of the laminate adsorbent structure wherein the support penetrates between the laminate layers at the end of the laminate adsorbent structure. 
 
     
     
       2. The adsorber element of  claim 1 , wherein the laminate adsorbent structure comprises a spiral winding of the laminate. 
     
     
       3. The adsorber element of  claim 1 , wherein the spacer support has the shape of a cross. 
     
     
       4. The adsorber element of  claim 1 , wherein the spacer support is made of epoxy. 
     
     
       5. The adsorber element of  claim 2 , comprising a spacer support at both ends of the wound laminate adsorbent structure. 
     
     
       6. A method of making the adsorber element of  claim 1 , comprising:
 providing the laminate adsorbent structure; 
 applying a liquid resin to the end of the laminate structure; 
 allowing the liquid resin to penetrate into the ends of the adsorbent structure; and 
 curing the resin.